Locals in a Welsh seaside city have been left livid at a call to refurbish residential flats to be used by asylum seekers. The determination in Llandudno, which is able to see people housed beneath the UK Government’s Resettlement scheme, was blasted by councillors and residents after the council confirmed the plans.
Two native Reform UK councillors have raised issues about funding and “fairness”, arguing that properties must be “prioritised” for native folks. Cllr Louise Emery, chief of Reform in Conwy, said: “This is about fairness. I want to see Llandudno families prioritised and given first preference for refurbished empty properties within the town centre. The resettlement scheme creates temporary residents by its very nature as they await a decision on their asylum application, whereas I would like to see Llandudno families permanently settle into decent accommodation in town.”
An announcement from the Conwy Reform Group mentioned: “When there are hundreds of families on a waiting list for homes in the Llandudno area, priority has to be for those residents.
“Bringing properties again into use, notably flats above retail models, is significant to sort out the housing ready record.”
The asylum seeker accommodation will be managed by Home Office contractor Clear Springs Ready Homes, which plans to renovate the flats on behalf of the landlord.
Supported by Home Office grants, Conwy’s resettlement teams will subsequently provide assistance to the asylum seekers, according to North Wales Live.
Reform councillor Tom Montgomery took aim at the Welsh Government, saying: “For years we have now seen little progress regionally in turning empty areas above outlets into properties for native folks.
“Whilst the Welsh Government has finally provided some funding for town centre housing, it is too little too late for (some) individuals, including children who have literally grown up in temporary accommodation.”
He went on: “Now the Home Office’s contractor is proving that these spaces can be turned into residential units.
“We have to see native housing our bodies present the identical dedication to offering native housing because the Home Office resettlement contractor is.”
Some locals were equally angered by the decision, with one fuming: “Thought there was a waiting list for housing??
Another added: “It’s disgraceful with the amount of homeless and veterans on our own streets.
“They should have the right to be housed.”
Whilst a third commented: Hang on – I was told the wait for council housing was years?”
A Conwy County Council spokeswoman said: “Clear Springs Ready Homes assign their very own housing officer. Resettlement groups in native authorities supply help and signposting.
“Resettlement teams are funded by grants from Home Office and Welsh Government.
“All the work of those groups supporting sanctuary seekers is roofed by the grant, together with translation.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2148848/fury-uk-seaside-town-flats